All-American Eats: Must-Try Foods from the 50 States

What food makes you think of California? How about New York? Nevada? We put on our foodie thinking caps and chose one ingredient or dish to represent each of the 50 states. Find out which restaurants will give you a taste of these "all-American" foods (some of which were brought to the U.S.A. by immigrants from around the globe), or check out our recipes that let you try versions of the dishes at home. Do you think there's another ingredient or dish that better represents your home state? Tell us about it! Let us know in the comments section, or post it on our Facebook page. No matter which foods make you think of the 50 states, one thing is for sure: Americans sure know how to eat good food!/>
Celebrate more American flavors by checking out these regional takes on popular foods.

Alabama: White Barbecue Sauce

Alabama: White Barbecue Sauce

White barbecue sauce is a staple in Northern Alabama. While residents in other BBQ states are often unaware that this lighter sauce exists, Alabamians know that it's not a barbecue without the mayonnaise-based condiment. White barbecue sauce is thought to have been invented in 1925, when the now legendary Big Bob Gibson first started barbecuing for friends and family in a hand-dug pit in his backyard. The sauce became an instant hit and is so well known today that Big Bob Gibson's has begun to bottle the hit recipe so customers can enjoy it at home.

Order It: Big Bob Gibson's children have kept the business in the family, which now boasts three restaurants and years worth of BBQ awards. While the menu has expanded since Big Bob first opened shop, the classic chicken with white barbecue sauce still takes center stage on the menu. Can't make it to Alabama? Check out the coveted white sauce recipe from Big Bob Gibson's above.

Alaska: Smoked Salmon

Alaska: Smoked Salmon

Smoking meats and fish is a process that has been around for centuries and was originally utilized as a natural preservation system. Today, smoked salmon is made by soaking salmon in a brine solution, then taking the salmon to a smokehouse, where it undergoes either a cold or hot smoking. King salmon became one of Alaska's state symbols in 1962, and smoked salmon is one of the most popular ways to enjoy Alaska's state fish.

Order It: Alaskan smoked salmon can now be ordered online and shipped anywhere in the U.S. The Kodiak Island Smokehouse is a family run commercial smokehouse that uses only wild salmon and supplies smoked fish to many Kodiak Island restaurants.